Tragic Jeju Air Crash at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024
On December 29, 2024, a tragic accident occurred involving Jeju Air Flight 2216, which crashed during landing at Muan International Airport. The crash resulted in the deaths of 177 out of 181 people on board, with two passengers rescued and two still missing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlPptbh9cjg
Accident Overview
The aircraft departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, and was en route to Muan International Airport in South Korea. Upon landing, the main landing gear failed to deploy, prompting the pilot to attempt a belly landing. Unfortunately, the plane veered off the runway, collided with an airport perimeter barrier, and exploded.
Passenger Information
Of the 181 people on board, 175 were passengers, and six were crew members. Most of the passengers were returning home after a five-day Christmas package tour in Bangkok. Among them, 13 were confirmed to be local or regional government officials.
Causes and Response
1. Landing Gear Failure and Belly Landing Attempt
During the landing attempt at Muan International Airport, the main landing gear failed to deploy. As a result, the pilot attempted a belly landing. However, the aircraft veered off the runway, struck a protective barrier, and exploded.
2. Inclement Weather and Bird Strike
At the time of the accident, the area around Muan International Airport was experiencing severe weather conditions. A bird strike warning had been issued, and six minutes before landing, air traffic control alerted the crew to the potential for bird strikes. One minute later, the pilot sent an emergency signal.
Muan International Airport is known to have the highest incidence of bird strikes among South Korea's 14 regional airports. It is suspected that a bird strike may have contributed to the landing gear malfunction.
3. Aircraft Defects and Maintenance History
The aircraft involved in the accident was a Boeing 737-800, manufactured in 2009 and delivered to Jeju Air in 2017.
Jeju Air has previously been criticized for operating aircraft with structural damage without adequate maintenance. It is possible that mechanical defects or maintenance deficiencies played a role in this accident.
Following the crash, the National Fire Agency issued the highest-level emergency response, deploying over 1,500 personnel. The fire was extinguished within 43 minutes, and rescue operations were carried out immediately.
Domestic and International Response
Acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered immediate rescue and support efforts. Jeju Air issued an official apology through its website. In support of the victims' families, KTX offered a special train service free of charge from Seoul to Mokpo to facilitate their travel to the crash site. Internationally, the Prime Minister of Thailand and the Chinese Ambassador to South Korea expressed their condolences.
Future Measures
The South Korean government declared a national mourning period from December 29 to January 4. All year-end events were canceled to focus on handling the aftermath of the incident and providing support to the victims' families. A thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Our deepest condolences go to the victims, and we extend our sincere sympathy and support to the families and survivors.
